Multicultural Muses Series

By Molly Anderson-Childers

Multicultural Muses Series Like many Americans, my ancestors are a mixed bag: a rag-tag bunch of immigrants, gathered here from all over the globe. Irish, Welsh, and Scottish forebears I can claim, as well as Dutch, French, Cajun, and African ancestors. I lack any real racial identity — I am a potpourri, a crazy quilt, a melting pot in my own lovely body.

This has given me a healthy dose of curiosity about the faces and places outside the United States — cultures that aren’t so homogenized, assimilated, pasteurized, and co-opted by huge corporations. I seek something different, something real and true, something raw and wild. Something brand new, or as ancient as old bones.

Muses all over the world have inspired creative souls for generations, since the dawn of humankind. I hope to smuggle them across the borders to inspire artists and writers a little closer to home.

Multicultural Muses to Inspire Your Creativity

Interviews with Jill Badonsky's Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard)
By Molly Anderson-Childers
The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard) are a hip twist on the Nine Muses of Ancient Greece, created by Jill Badonsky. Read their inspiring interview in this fun series.

An Ugly Duckling Soaring with Swans
By Molly Anderson-Childers
Air, the last remaining element, is perhaps the most mysterious of the four.

Creative Bedrock: Standing on Solid Ground
By Molly Anderson-Childers
The importance of allowing your creative work to be the foundation you stand upon.

The Fount of Inspiration: Muses of Water
By Molly Anderson-Childers
Muses and deities associated with the element of water and the creative arts.

The Fire of Inspiration: Pele
By Molly Anderson-Childers
Pele, the Fiery Mountain Woman of Hawaiian legend, is the perfect Muse to help me invoke the creative, passionate energies of fire.

The Story as Muse
By Molly Anderson-Childers
How can the stories of other writers — true or fictional — inspire and inform our own work?

Fear: Muse and Motivator
By Molly Anderson-Childers
It is time to look coldly and honestly at the things that scare us.

The Chaotic Muse
By Molly Anderson-Childers
There is a common misconception that art arises only from a lofty state of grace, in the rarified air of delight.

Landscape as Muse
By Molly Anderson-Childers
I got the idea for this article in the middle of a wild-assed Colorado hailstorm on a day in July.

Zarpandit, Shining Silver
By Molly Anderson-Childers
Zarpandit, Mesopotamian Creator Goddess, rules the Moon and the Night.

Coming Home
By Molly Anderson-Childers
What exactly is it, this place or concept of home?

Continue to Multicultural Muses page 2 »

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